Donald Trump Threatens to Take Control of the Panama Canal, What Really Happened?

Kapanlagi.com - In an inspiring speech in Arizona, the President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, recently made a statement that sparked controversy surrounding the Panama Canal. He accused Panama of setting transit fees that are very unfair and threatened to take control of the strategic canal if his demands were not met.

In a firm tone, Trump stated that the Panama Canal is a very important asset for the United States. He even threatened to demand the return of the canal if the transit rates were not lowered immediately.

This statement immediately received a harsh reaction from the President of Panama, Jos Ral Mulino, who firmly asserted that the Panama Canal is their property and Panama's sovereignty cannot be debated.

1. Background of Trump's Threat

In his passionate speech in Arizona, Trump launched a sharp critique of the fees imposed by Panama on American ships, calling them 'ridiculous' and 'unfair'. He accused Panama of taking excessive advantage of the waterway that should benefit both parties, and asserted that if the fees were not lowered, he would demand the return of the canal to the US.

Not only that, Trump also linked this issue to national security concerns, warning about the potential influence of China that could threaten the stability of the region. This threat clearly reflects Trump's aggressive and confrontational style in foreign policy, similar to his approach towards Mexico and Canada in the context of international trade.

2. Strong Response from the President of Panama

In response to Trump's controversial statements, the President of Panama, Jos Ral Mulino, firmly stated that the Panama Canal is the absolute property of Panama and the sovereignty of the country is inviolable.

"Every inch of the Panama Canal and its surrounding areas is our right and will remain so," Mulino emphasized in an official video that went viral on social media X, as reported by AFP on Monday (23/12/2024).

Nevertheless, Mulino expressed his hope to maintain good and respectful relations with the Trump administration in the future, while still rejecting any form of threats that jeopardize his country's sovereignty.

3. The Importance of the Panama Canal for the United States

The Panama Canal, stretching 82 km long, is the heart of international trade connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This vital route heavily relies on the United States, which uses the canal to transport various goods, from natural gas to vehicles.

After being managed by the US until 1999, full control is now in the hands of Panama thanks to the 1977 treaty. Interestingly, about 75% of the cargo that passes through this canal originates from or is destined for the US.

However, rising transit fees due to drought over the past year have created dissatisfaction among ship operators, including US companies, further exacerbating tensions in the region.

4. Potential Diplomatic and Economic Impact

The threats posed by Donald Trump regarding the Panama Canal could trigger serious diplomatic tensions, not only with Panama but also with other countries that depend on this vital trade route.

Currently, neutrality agreements guarantee fair access and non-discriminatory rates for all countries, but if the US truly attempts to regain control over the canal, the implications could be significant for international relations and global economic stability.

Analysts are already beginning to warn that this bold move could potentially spark a trade war or economic sanctions that would hit the US economy hard.

5. Prospects and Reactions of the International World

As Trump's inauguration approaches, the spotlight is now on how the rhetoric that has been built will be realized in concrete actions.

Analysts are urging Panama and the US to choose the path of diplomacy in easing the existing disputes. It is hoped that international organizations and trade monitoring bodies will play an active role in ensuring that Panama's sovereignty rights are respected, so that the existing tensions can be alleviated before escalating into a more serious conflict.

6. Why is Donald Trump threatening to take over the Panama Canal?

In a shocking statement, Trump accused Panama of imposing extremely unfair transit fees on American ships. In a firm tone, he threatened to take control of the Panama Canal if the burdensome tariffs were not reduced immediately.

7. What is Panama's response to Trump's threat?

Panama's President, José Raúl Mulino, firmly stated that the Panama Canal is a valuable asset of his country, and sovereignty over it will never be negotiable.

8. Why is the Panama Canal important to the United States?

The Panama Canal, a vital trade route, serves as a link between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, where approximately 75% of the cargo that crosses it originates from or is destined for the United States. This route is not just a waterway, but also the heart of global trade that flows essential goods around the world.

9. Does China have influence in the Panama Canal?

In a statement that drew attention, Trump expressed his concerns about the potential influence of China in the region, but the President of Panama firmly rejected the notion that there is control, either directly or indirectly, from other countries over the Panama Canal.

10. Does the US still have rights over the Panama Canal?

No, in 1999, the United States officially handed over full control of the Panama Canal to the country, based on a historic treaty signed in 1977. This move marked the end of US dominance over one of the world's most important shipping routes, opening a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries.

(kpl/srr)